[Hello! Writing this chapter has been my salvation from studying, and about the only thing to relax me lately. My first exams are tomorrow, so I spent one of my prolonged revision breaks finishing this to clear my head before hand. I hope you enjoy this, and I'm overwhelmed with the positive response to this fanfiction. For all those worried, Laura will not be dying. As always, reviews are loved and appreciated!]
Dirty Hands
Laura felt as though she was bundled with nerves. Her anxiety was slowly creeping in, clawing away inside as she tried to push her fears to the deepest corners of her mind. Sitting at her writing desk, she attempted to distract herself by filling out the monotonous paperwork that had begun to engulf her desk. Occasionally, Laura would steal a glance at Pandora. The child was working away at the sofa, her fingers covered with pastel markers as she completed her latest masterpiece - the last two already proudly displayed at the corner of Laura's office. Pandora was blissfully unaware of the chaos that could unfold, a small mercy that Laura was glad of. She prayed to the Lords of Kobol that her fears would not be confirmed.
As Tori rounded her desk, passing her the latest document requiring her signature, Laura caught something from the corner of her eye. Dropping her pen, she watched as the raptor spun in the air, flipping over itself as it continued its unsteady path towards Colonial One.
The next thing Laura knew, the entire ship had shook as though caught up in the epicenter of an earthquake. The folders collapsed from their resting point on the shelves, cluttering the floor while the lights blinked rapidly. Pushing her chair back, Laura stood up as the shaking finally stopped, the ship returning to its steady position once again. Looking towards the sofa, her eyes flashed with concern and fear when she noticed Pandora's absence. Stepping forward, she stopped swiftly when she felt a pair of short arms wrap around her legs, as though clutching on for dear life. Her heart beat relaxed then and her stiff shoulders dropped. Pandora was fine. "Mama?" The child whimpered , her voice full of fear and confusion as she looked up at the woman with her eyes wide open. "Everything's fine, Pandora" Laura promised, her hand resting on the girl's thin hair as she attempted to comfort the child and soothe her fears.
The President turned her head as she heard a groan from behind her. Tori. Slipping out of Pandora's hold, Laura crouched down beside her Chief of Staff as the younger woman scrunched her face up in pain, her breathing labored as she remained pushed up against the bookcase. Laura could see that her shoulder was out - that much was clear. Everything seemed to go by in a flash. The guards rushed into her office, shouting 'Madame President' in fear of what they may find, the fear leaving their body when they found the President without a scratch; gods only knew what Adama would do to them if something happened to the President under their watch. The next thing Laura knew, Cottle was on the floor of her office instructing her on how to help put Tori's shoulder back into alinement. Thankfully Pandora had chosen that moment to retrieve her drawing from the sofa. As Cottle bandaged up the younger woman's shoulder, Laura heard the heavy footsteps advancing towards them. Standing up, the President was mindful of the presence of her staff, the medics and her guards. Pandora on the other hand, seemed to throw caution out of the nearest airlock. The child ran as fast as her short legs could carry her, launching herself at the Admiral as he arrived at the door of the President's chaotic and cluttered office. Catching Pandora, the Admiral placed her on his hip as though it was the most natural thing in the world, the child slipping her arms around Bill's neck. Most of the staff played little attention to the display of affection, while several of the guard exchanged secretive glances.
"Are you okay?" Bill asked, his voice soft, attempting to keep their conversation strictly between the pair of them as he carried Pandora towards her mother. She nodded her head, her fingers playing with the lustrous golden Admiral badges of his uniform. "Just a little scared" The child admitted, feeling the man's cheek come to rest against the crown of her head. The guards and staff moved around the office, moving through the clutter and debris as they carried folders, boxes and paperwork through to the lower end of Colonial One. Reaching out, Bill's hand came to rest on the edge of Laura's elbow, the affectionate act pulling the woman out of her train of thought. "Everything alright?" Bill asked, thanking the gods above that nothing had happened to either of them. He still couldn't shake the fear that ran through every bone in his body when the call came through to the CIC that Colonial One had been involved in a collision with a raptor. His first thought had been of Laura and Pandora. On the raptor ride over, a thousand scenarios played through his head. He was thankful that none of them were proven right. "We're fine" Laura said, the corner of her lips pushing up in a weak smile as she took Bill's hand and allowed him to help her up.
Bill guided their way through the clutter and mess, taking them to the lower end of Colonial One, where Laura's things were currently being moved down to. She couldn't help but think that this was a little more than the distraction she had hoped for. "You know you're always welcomed in one of my beds" Bill offered, knowing that it would make Pandora's day, but also help ease Laura's worries. If he could keep her by his side, then he could keep an eye on her until her appointment. "Can we, Mama?" Pandora asked, raising her head from her father's shoulder as she batted her thick eyelashes at her mother as she looked at her with pleading eyes. If Laura was sick, then perhaps staying on Galactica would be for the best. Maybe this was all a god send in disguise? A sign. Nodding her head, Laura agreed. "Okay" She said, smiling at Bill as they came to a stop in the middle of the small, cluttered room. "I don't see why not" Laura concluded, watching as a look of mutual joy and happiness graced Bill and Pandora's features, both of them smiling towards her.
Laura asked one of her aids to pack an overnight bag for them, she could return to Colonial One in a day or two and get whatever else she needed then. Bill moved to collect Laura's paperwork, holding it under his left arm as he set Pandora down, clutching her hand while Laura took the child's other hand as they headed down towards the waiting raptor.
It seemed Pandora had gotten her wish. Galactica would be their temporary home.
As the day passed by, Laura's anxiety only increased. Standing in the center of Bill's quarters, she swayed from left to right in order to occupy herself in a bid to think of anything other than her appointment with Cottle. Stepping into the room, Bill placed his paperwork on the table as he took a glance at the clock, they would have to leave any minute now. "I've asked Lee and Kara to keep an eye on her" Bill confessed, knowing that Laura wouldn't feel comfortable leaving Pandora with just anyone. He watched as the woman readjusted her blouse for the hundred time that morning, smoothing out non-existent creases in the silk material. Nodding her head, Laura attempted to garner any courage she had left in her soul. She watched as Pandora sat at the foot of the couch, twisting two rubber bands together in a bid to form yet another one of her bracelets.
"This is my son, Lee, and our friend, Kara" He introduced the couple of the child, who curiously looked from the side of her mother's legs, slowly stepping forward as examined the young man before her, even though she had briefly met him before. "You still look like Papa" Pandora concluded as she stop before the young man, who knelt in front of her. "Do you think so?" Lee asked, attempting to pose by resting his elbow on his knee and placing his chin down on his closed fist. Pandora chuckled at his behavior and giggled, nodding her head happily. "Just like Papa" She said, before turning her attention to the blonde woman beside him.
"Let's see what this mini viper pilot can do" Kara proclaimed, moving to kneel in front of the child, allowing Pandora to wrap her arms around her neck and rest against her back before Kara stood, the child's carefree laughter filled the stone grey corridors as Kara gave her a piggyback, heading in the direction of the hanger deck. "Don't let my daughter fly any vipers!" Laura warned, raising an eyebrow as she shook her head at Lee who smirked before shaking his own head. "I can't promise anything, Madame President" He teased before jogging down the corridor after the floods of laughter.
Laura slipped her hand through Bill's arm, her happiness draining from her body as she shut her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and she remembered what they had to do next. "Everything will be okay, Laura. Whatever happens" Bill promised, his free hand coming to rest over Laura's as she opened her eyes, his assuring smile brought some colour back to her cheeks. "You have me and Pandora, and we aren't going anywhere" He said, attempting to soothe her fears as he held onto her hand, guiding the way to Doctor Cottle's infirmary. "I know" Laura admitted, forcing a smile as she tried to swallow her fear as she clutched onto the man's arm for support.
It was now or never.
Laura sat on the edge of the sterile white bed, it offered little comfort when surrounded by the sense of doom and depression. This could only end in one way. Laura knew it wasn't going to be good news, she could feel it in her very bones. Bill however, attempted to stay positive, even though he knew that he had to be realistic. "Everything will be okay" Bill remained her, regardless of what the outcome of their visit would be. Laura couldn't help but compare everything to the last time. The last time, she had been all alone when going to the doctors for her diagnosis. This time, she had Bill holding her hand through every step of the way. For that, she couldn't be more thankful. It was in the face of tragedy and misery that one truly sees what is important in life. Clutching her free hand around their joint hands, Laura let out a shaking breath as she attempted to calm herself, forcing her lips up into a weak smile.
As he stepped into the room, Cottle acted as though the pairs' behavior was natural, after all, he was well aware of the rumors running around the fleet - in fact, he wouldn't be shocked if some of them were true. Though he wouldn't have the nerve to ask, unless he wanted to be dragged to the nearest airlock by the President. Taking the needle, he held Laura's wrist in order to keep her arm out straight as he rested it against her soft skin before pushing it in, the crimson liquid filling the syringe. Shutting her eyes, Laura attempted to block out the pain that rang through her arm as the needle pushed in further; instead she focused on the feeling of Bill's hand clutching her own, squeezing it in a bid to distract her from the pain. Cottle pulled the needle back, the metal catching the light before he put the lid over it. "We'll get these tests rushed through, it should take no longer than an hour" He revealed, his eyes focused on the folder in his hand as he wrote down a series of notes while walking out of the makeshift compartment.
Laura sighed, her heart feeling heavy in her chest as she rested her head down on Bill's shoulders, her eyes feeling heavy as she forced herself to relax in his arms. Everything would be okay; regardless of what the results were. Pulling her legs up under her, she allowed Bill to wrap his arms around her as she blocked out the world around them. "Everything will be okay" He promised, attempting to be strong enough for both of them. Losing Laura would be like someone turning the lights off, leaving his life in complete darkness. She was a fighter. She had beaten cancer once; and she seemed to have a talent at defying the odds.
Now, they could only wait.
Lee had all to all but restrain Kara from taking Pandora onto a viper, reminding her that the President - and his father - would be a little more than annoyed with Kara if anything happened to even a single hair on Pandora's head. He was positive that the President might even use the services of the nearest airlock. As they returned to the Admiral's private quarters, Kara glanced at the clock above the man's desk. "I'm going to go and get some food, any requests?" Kara asked, throwing her jacket over her shoulders as she made her way towards the door. "Something eatable!" Lee called after her, shaking his head as he heard the woman let out a snigger as she muttered something under her breath.
"You're Papa's son?" It was Pandora who broke the comfortable silence that had fallen over the pair, looking up at the man with curious eyes as held her plush elephant in the corner of her arm. Lee had heard from several of the crew - as well aas what he had gathered from the rumors running around the fleet - that Pandora was calling the Admiral 'Papa', but hearing the child referring to him as 'Papa' for the first time was strange. Lee knew he had to get used to it though. "Does that mean you're my brother?" Pandora asked cautiously, looking up at the man beside her. "I guess it does" Lee admitted, although he had never saw the situation in that way. However, he wouldn't deny that he had always wanted a baby sister to protect, teach and tease. Though he had quickly dropped that dream not long after Zak was born, when his parent's marriage went quickly down hill. Perhaps Pandora was a second chance for them all? The little sister he never had.
Reaching out, he patted the child's shoulder and smiled. "You know, Pandora, I always wanted a sister" He confessed, beaming down at her as she gleefully dropped her crayons and turned to him. "Well, now you have one!" Pandora exclaimed, giving Lee her full attention as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ears. Taking the rubber breaded bracelet off her wrist, she held it out for the man. "It's a tred..tra..tradition" The child stumbled and stuttered over the word before explaining her actions. "Mama and Papa have one each, so if you're my brother, you need to have one too" She said, shrugging her shoulders before returning her attention to her drawing. "Should I make Kara one?" Pandora wondered aloud as she picked up the midnight blue crayon and attacked her page with it. Lee couldn't get over Pandora's unconditional willingness to accept him as 'her brother'. She had seemed to instantly fall into the daughter role in Laura and Bill's lives, no doubt playing the role of cupid in their love life. "If you'd like" He said, contentedly watching the child as she gathered her rubber bands and pencils in an attempt to make another bracelet.
By the time Kara had returned with their food, Pandora had given up all hope of making another bracelet and abandoned her work at the foot of the couch. "Is it eatable?" Lee asked, raising an eyebrow as he teased the blonde viper pilot before sitting down at the table. "Why don't you see for yourself?" Kara hit back, though allowed a teasing tone to slip through her voice.
Pandora was satisfied with simply watching the pair in front of her bicker like overgrown children as she munched away at her food. Glancing at the clock, she wondered just how much longer she would have to stay with Lee and Kara. It was getting late after all. Mama never missed bedtime; and that was less than an hour away.
Time itself seemed to be dragging on. Each second feeling like a lifetime. It was an hour before the midnight blue curtains were pulled back, signalling the Doctor's return. Laura watched with bated breath as Cottle walked into the room. Though his mournful expression was all the confirmation she needed. Stopping in front of the couple, he took a deep breath before speaking. "It's positive. I'm sorry, Madame President" He announced, bowing his head in respect as he allowed the realisation of his words to set in. In that moment, Laura felt as though her entire world had fallen in on her. It was only the feeling of Bill's hand resting on her shoulder and the gentle kiss that he pressed against her forehead that brought her back to life.
"Come back tomorrow and we'll form a treatment plan" Cottle suggested, though he suspected that Laura wanted nothing more than to be in the comfort of the Admiral's quarters, in the safety of Bill's sturdy arms, with Pandora near by. Nodding his head in respect at both the President and Admiral, the Doctor backed out of the room, shutting over the curtain behind him to give the couple some privacy.
As the room fell silent, Laura tried to bottle up her emotions. The gods were surely testing her. She prayed that this was all some horrible nightmare that she would wake up from, safe in Bill's arms with Pandora sleeping nearby. As Bill stood up from the bed, she slipped her hand through his arm and allowed him to guide her out of the sick bay, her face emotionless, as though frozen in time as they walked through the hallways.
The journey back to their quarters was silent. Laura feared for Pandora. Laura feared for Bill. Laura feared for herself. The prophecy was half-true now - she was the dying leader. Hopelessness and a fear of the unknown clouded her heavy heart as they turned the corner of the deserted, cold grey corridors. She forced herself to hold the pieces of her shattered soul together as the hatch door opened to reveal an impatient Pandora.
"Mama!" Pandora exclaimed happily, launching herself at the woman, who picked her up and placed her on her slender hip, pressing an affectionate kiss against her forehead. Lee watched as his father and Laura stepped over the threshold with Pandora, he could notice the sudden shift in their moods, but put it down to simply being the untold levels of stress resting on their shoulders. Laura was probably only tired. "Well, Admiral, the kid sure has your skills when it comes to piloting a viper" Kara casually stated, making her presence known from her spot on the couch, crossing her ankles as she crossed her arms. Laura glared at the woman, while Bill looked like a cat caught in the blinding headlights of a car. "Kara!" He exclaimed, looking as though his blood was beginning to boil. "I'm only kidding with you, old man" Kara announced, laughing slightly to herself at the reactions she had achieved from the President and Admiral. "If anyone needs me, I'll be in the rec room" She said, pushing herself up from the couch and walking towards the child in Laura's arm. "We will be viper training as soon as you turn sixteen" Kara promised the child, earning a giggle and a beaming smile from the child, who looked satisfied with the blonde woman's compromise.
"Admiral, Madame President" Kara said, nodding her head respectfully at the leaders of the fleet before making her way out of the room, signaling for Lee to follow her. It seemed Kara had noticed the exact same thing as Lee; although, she decided that it was simply the Admiral and President's stress levels going through the roof, and that spending an hour or so with Pandora would cure their problems. "Thank you Kara, Lee" Bill said, turning to look at the pair as they left the room. Laura still remained mute.
Walking over to the couch, Laura lowered herself down, resting Pandora on her knee while Bill disappeared into the corner of his room, lifting the heavy glass cap off the whiskey container and filling two small glasses. "Mama, what's wrong?" Pandora asked curiously, sensing a change in her mother's demeanor as she turned herself to face the room, reaching out to touch the heads of her mother's wave like hair. "Nothing, little one" Laura stated, wishing that her lies could be the truth. The child raised her eyebrow, as though to show her lack of faith in her mother's answer before she rested her head against the woman's chest, yawning as she shut her eyes for a moment. "If you say so, Mama" Pandora said, using her mother's chest as a makeshift pillow as her eyes became heavy, struggling to stay over as sleep came over her.
Bill sat himself down beside Laura, placing her glass of whiskey on the walnut table in front of them before watching Pandora as the child slipped into the land of sleep - no doubt dreaming of piloting a viper. He was thankful that the child was ignorant to the events that would unfold in the coming days and weeks.
Laura wrapped her arms around Pandora's back, feeling the tears forming in the corner of her eyes. Her shoulders shook as she let out an unsteady, shaking breath, her arms tightening around Pandora's back as she clutched her child close to her chest. Laura's frail hand came to rest on the back of Pandora's soft chocolate brown hair. Burying her head into the child's shoulder, she attempted to silence her own river of tears. Pandora couldn't lose her mother. The gods had tempted her with everything she had ever wanted, only for her cancer to return and for everything to be snatched away from her, right from under her very nose.
Reaching out, Bill took ahold of the pair, holding Laura close as she clutched the sleeping Pandora to her. "We will find Earth; together. We'll build your cabin." Bill promised, shutting his eyes as he held the two most important women in his life protectively in his arms. Laura would fight this battle and win, just like she had done the last time. This time was different. She had Bill and Pandora now.
She had to fight this. She had to win. Laura had no other option